Former Pro Bowler Chris Harris Jr. remains a free agent, but the veteran cornerback intends for it to remain that way until at least the start of the regular season. Harris told Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette that he’s going to wait to sign a deal with the hope of catching on with a contender.
“I want to wait and see what team has a great chance to win a Super Bowl and then try to hop on with them,” Harris said (via Tomasson on Twitter).
Harris is likely hoping that training camp/preseason (and the ensuing injuries) could open up a spot in a contender’s secondary. Last season, Harris didn’t sign a contract until October, when he ultimately settled for a deal on the Saints practice squad. The veteran may have to follow a similar path in 2023 if he hopes to sign after the season’s already started.
While 2023 would mark the cornerback’s age-33 season, there still might be something left in the tank. Harris ended up getting into 10 games (four starts) for the Saints last season, finishing with 29 tackles and three passes defended. Pro Football Focus buried him towards the bottom of their cornerback rankings, although they did give him positive grades for his pass-rushing ability.
The former undrafted free agent has put together an incredible career, earning four Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections. Following his nine-year stint in Denver, Harris spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Chargers before joining New Orleans last year.
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